Turnout for Earth Day event 'fantastic'

More than two thousand people showed up Saturday at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre to celebrate Earth Day, the event's organizers said.

"It's been fantastic, just fantastic," said Diana Springfield, of The Natural Living Alliance of St. Johns County, which partnered with the Old City Farmers' Market to put on the celebration, now in its third year. "We've probably had close to three times as many people come out this year as we did last year. I guess it pays to advertise."

Many local environmental organizations were present, along with representatives of some area businesses that use green principles in their work. There was fresh local seafood, baked goods and artwork also. The celebration lasted from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

"I've been out here most of the day, and the people I've met have been great," said Jessica Minch, 23, a Flagler College graduate who also happens to be the reigning Miss St. Augustine. Minch was there representing Keepers of the Coast, a newly formed non-profit organization devoted to building a community of active participants dedicated to preserving our beaches for future generations.

"Many people have stopped and taken literature, and asked questions," Minch said.

On April 26, St. Johns County and Keepers of the Coast will team up with the Annual USA Turtle Town Beach Cleanup to host the Second Annual Sea Turtle "Homecoming" Festival.

Early in the day, Hardy Jones, a former photojournalist who has dedicated his life to protecting the world's dolphins, spoke to the crowd and showed one of his documentaries. Jones, known worldwide as "The Dolphin Defender," moved to St. Augustine with his wife in 2006 and operates BlueVoice.org.

A local band, Funk Shui, hit the opening chords of the Rolling Stones hit, "Wild Horses," people settled down in front of the stage, many biting into fresh seafood from the nearby concession tent.

"We're lucky to have some great local bands performing here," Springfield said. "They help make this whole thing a success. It's important to note that this is our Earth Day, St. Augustine's. These are our vendors, our musicians, our artists. It's an important issue, but it can be fun, too."

Speaking of Earth-friendly fun, there was also a nature trail "sculpture walk," which was put together by Elayna Wanerka of St. Augustine. More than simply a walk through the woods, it was an opportunity for children and adults to create environmentally-friendly artwork along the way.

At various points on the path, there were sticks, brush and moss assembled to form what Wanerka calls "little altars." The creations were all made by people taking part in the walk.

"Basically, the way it works is you create something that is non-intrusive and non-destructive out of what you find," Wanerka said. "The point is to be intimate and creative, but in harmony with nature."

Shane Artz, a board member of the Natural Living Alliance who designed the artwork for the event's program and t-shirts, said he's happy with the way this year's Earth Day celebration turned out.

"We've had a blast, really," Artz said. "I'm very happy to be living in St. Augustine. I lived in the Florida Keys for 12 years, and conservation is near and dear to my heart. People here seem to understand the importance of taking care of the Earth, and that's great."